Slovenia & Croatia by Land and Sea

Product Description

Highlights

Arrive in style! Your airport arrival transfer in Venice is by private water taxi. Glide into the centre of Venice by boat to gain an appropriate sense of perspective of this unique city from the water… don’t forget to keep your camera handy!. Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like an eye-less salamander. Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over the astonishingly beautiful Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the mighty Alps. Soak up the vibrancy of Zadar and experience the deep Dalmatian heritage visible at every step – contrast the Roman ruins and medieval city walls with the modern sea organ and sun dial

Overview

Caves and waterfalls abound in Plitvice Lakes National Park, but it’s the 16 interlinked lakes flowing between Mala Kapela Mountain and Pljesevica Mountain that draw the crowds. Renowned for their distinctive colours, the lakes can appear azure, green, grey or blue depending on the minerals in the water and the angle of the light. Then experience the elegance and old-world charm of Croatia on a small ship adventure cruise. An idyllic island escape in the middle of Europe, Croatia offers up impressive coastlines, meandering rivers, and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic to swim in. Aboard the M/S Peregrine Dalmatia, specifically built to sail the Dalmatian Coast, cast off from the historic city of Split and cruise to islands both chic and ancient. Paddle up the rivers of Krka National Park to dip into waterfalls, then discover the soul of Croatia – Split. Navigate the Adriatic to the Renaissance facades and jagged limestone cliffs of Hvar, then board wooden boats and sail up the River Neretva to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stopping in Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains. Explore the romantic and evocative Old Town of Korcula and enjoy tastings at a local winery, then dock in stunning Dubrovnik.

Breakfast Included: 13 Lunches Included: 6 Dinner Included: 6

Trip Dates

Start Date

End Date

Price

Room Type

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$6975

lowerDeckStandardDouble

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$6975

lowerDeckStandardTwin

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$7425

mainDeckDoubleSuite

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$7175

mainDeckPremiumTwin

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$8455

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

11-MAY-2019

25-MAY-2019

AU$7535

upperDeckDoubleSuite

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardDouble

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardTwin

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$8075

mainDeckDoubleSuite

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$7795

mainDeckPremiumTwin

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$9095

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

01-JUN-2019

15-JUN-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardDouble

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardTwin

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$8075

mainDeckDoubleSuite

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$7795

mainDeckPremiumTwin

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$9095

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

29-JUN-2019

13-JUL-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardDouble

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardTwin

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$8075

mainDeckDoubleSuite

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$7795

mainDeckPremiumTwin

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$9095

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

20-JUL-2019

03-AUG-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardDouble

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardTwin

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$8075

mainDeckDoubleSuite

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$7795

mainDeckPremiumTwin

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$9095

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

17-AUG-2019

31-AUG-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardDouble

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$7595

lowerDeckStandardTwin

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$8075

mainDeckDoubleSuite

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$7795

mainDeckPremiumTwin

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$9095

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

14-SEP-2019

28-SEP-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$6975

lowerDeckStandardDouble

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$6975

lowerDeckStandardTwin

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$7425

mainDeckDoubleSuite

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$7175

mainDeckPremiumTwin

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$8455

mainDeckPremiumTwinForSoleUse

05-OCT-2019

19-OCT-2019

AU$8195

upperDeckDoubleSuite

Venice

Arrive in style! Your airport arrival transfer is by private water taxi. Glide into the centre of Venice by boat to gain an appropriate sense of perspective of this unique city from the water… don’t forget to keep your camera handy! This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of iconic sights. You may choose to take a boat tour or a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, passing under the Rialto Bridge and admiring some of the city's many monuments from the water. Perhaps take a walking tour of the highlights, including St. Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges’ Palace, Accademia Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs. There are also numerous museums to visit. After the group meeting tonight, do not be afraid to lose yourself on a short walk of discovery, through mysterious, quiet alleys and sleepy canals.

Postojna Caves / Ljubljana / Bled

This morning, farewell Venice and Italy, and travel to the Postojna Caves (approximately 2 hours), where you will have some free time to have lunch before exploring the cave. A network of 20 kilometres of passages, galleries and chambers, Postojna is the largest classic karst cave in Europe. In 1872, railway lines were laid in the cave and electricity arrived in 1884. Begin with a 2-kilometre open-top train ride through narrow tunnels to this jungle of stalactites and stalagmites. In the vast chambers the electric lighting allows you to admire the size and splendour of the underground world, where the geological past is recorded in a unique manner. The wealth of speleothems, calcite and formations is dazzling, and they abound in a variety of shapes, colours and age. Continue on to Ljubljana (approximately 40 minutes), a city full of style and sophistication, and a treasure-trove of history, monuments, churches, museums, and great restaurants. On arrival you’ll take a guided tour around the old city centre, renowned for its unique architectural appearance. The Old Town consists of three main squares and baroque houses. Visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lake side town of Bled.

Lake Bohinj / Bled

This morning you’ll drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj (approximately 30 minutes). The lake is the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia, formed by a glacier and fed by several underwater springs – the most well known is the karst spring Govic. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views of this incredibly stunning region – evergreen woods sloping down the mountains to touch the brilliant blue waters. You’ll then have free time to enjoy this amazing area. Back down in the valley it's then back to Bled. With immense natural beauty, Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful of alpine resorts. It's renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Head to the cliff-top Old Bled Castle, dating from the 15th century and overlooking sparkling Lake Bled, then take a Pletna boat ride (a wooden, awning-covered boat rowed by a special oarsman) to the island on Lake Bled – climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening – be sure to seek out the famous Bled cream cake, which isn’t hard; nearly every cafe and cake shop in town claims that theirs is the best.

Motovun / Rovinj / Pula

Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of the most interesting towns in Croatia (approximately 2 hours). Motovun sits on the top of a cone-shaped hill, 277 metres above sea level, surrounded by the romantic and natural diversity of the bountiful Mirna River Valley, whose forests are famous for truffle hunting. Motovun is the one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Croatia's Istria region, with houses scattered all over the hill. The town grew around a core settlement surrounded by well-fortified walls, and its Celtic origin name comes from the word 'Montona', which means the 'town on the hill'. The medieval charm of the town is still found in its well-preserved architecture. Truffles are a glamourous-sounding local produce in this region. Enjoy a truffle tasting combined with local speciality dishes such as fuži (Istrian pasta), fritaja (Croatian omelette) or our producer’s somewhat exotic truffle ice cream! Your sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines to try. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast (approximately 1 hour). Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town centre, with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Through the centuries, Rovinj’s character has enchanted many an artist or writer, including Jules Verne. Whilst in Rovinj you will also pay a visit to the venetian-style St. Euphemia Church, dedicated to the early Christian martyr whose marble coffin is said to have floated to the Rovinj shoreline. Continue on to Pula, only a short drive and tonight’s destination (approximately 40 minutes).

Pula / Opatija / Plitvice

This morning, explore the famous Roman Amphitheatre of Pula with a local guide, and step back in time to the town’s heyday as a Roman regional administrative centre. Overlooking the harbour, the arena is the 6th largest surviving amphitheatre in the world. Built in the 1st century, it was designed to hold up to 20,000 spectators, who revelled in the bloodthirsty gladiatorial contests shown there. The 30 metre-high wall, inset with two rows of arches, is made entirely of local limestone, with gutters on top for collecting water and slabs that were used to hold a shady fabric canopy in place. In the late morning you will make your way inland with a stop at the town of Opatija (approximately 1.5 hours), a former resort town for wealthy Austro-Hungarian families. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the famed centuries-old Franz Joseph I Promenade, better known as the Lungomare – a coastal footpath that stretches from Volosko to Lovran. There will be time for you to explore the stretch of the promenade closest to town, and to have lunch. In the afternoon, you will transfer to your hotel (approximately 2,5 hours), located in the Plitvice Lakes area.

Plitvice Lakes National Park / Zadar

Today you will visit one of Croatia's most beautiful sites – Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park was given World Heritage status 20 years ago and comprises 19 hectares of wooded hills that surround 16 stunning turquoise lakes, all connected by a series of waterfalls. The area is populated by deer, bears, wolves, boars and some rare bird species, and the thick, primeval forest vegetation of beech trees, fir spruce and white pine adds another element to the park's beauty. You’ll have free time to explore here – all trails in the national park are well marked so it's difficult to get lost, but please follow the national park rules, which your leader will outline to you. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar (approximately 1.5 hours). For centuries Zadar was the capital city of Dalmatia, and the city's rich heritage is visible at every step. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city – see the Roman Forum built in the 1st-Century and St. Donatus' Church, which dates back to the 9th century and is the most famous medieval basilica and trademark of the city. You’ll also see numerous other fascinating constructions from between the 12th and 16th centuries, like the reconstructed Romanesque St. Grisigono's Church, St. Mary's bell tower, St. Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. There is also an opportunity to visit the Gold and Silver Museum.

Zadar

Today is a free day in Zadar. There is so much to see and do in this harbour city, the hard thing is deciding what to choose. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous ‘Greeting to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, two of the more modern sights of Zadar. The latter is a man-made organ on Zadar's Riva that works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the café culture and do some people watching. Your leader will also be able to offer you suggestions. As it’s your last night together as a group, why not get together and try some Dalmatian food specialties at a local restaurant.

Split

Check out of hotel and it's a free day until your transfer to the port. Board the ship at 5 pm. Meet your crew and fellow travellers over a welcome drink and introductory meeting. In the evening, sit down to your first on-board dinner.

Split - Krka NP - Split

After a leisurely breakfast on board, we’ll head off on a guided tour of Split with our tour leaders. Explore the laneways and squares that make up the beautiful old town and hear the stories of conquerors and sieges. Lunch at your leisure in one of the old town's lovely al fresco eateries.
In the afternoon, take your private bus transfer to Krka National Park. Here you will board a small boat for some cruising and exploring within the park. The park spans two thirds of the Krka River, and some 142 square kilometres. You visit some of the gorgeous waterfalls for which this park is renowned, stopping for a refreshing swim or two along the way. Afterwards, return by bus to Split, and dinner on board the Dalmatia.

Split - Hvar

Set sail for the island of Hvar, enjoying breakfast on board. Stop to swim in the waters of the Adriatic at a secluded beach close to Stari Grad - Hvar's Old Town. Arrive in Stari Grad around midday and look across one of Europe's oldest towns while lunching aboard the board the Dalmatia. Board a bus to explore the island known as the 'Queen of the Dalmatian Islands'. Visit a local farm for a honey tasting and a walk through the nearby lavendar fields, then drive to Hvar town. Take an orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy free time to explore. Return to Stari Grad, and dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Overnight in Hvar (Stari Grad).

Hvar - Opuzen

Set sail early towards Opuzen, breakfasting on board and then stopping for a spot of swimming. Lunch on the board as we sail up the Neretva river towards Opuzen. On arrival, we will jump into small wooden boats for a leisurely cruise through the surrounding wetlands (with local snacks and music on board). We end up at a beautiful local restaurant overlooking the water for Peka lamb and other local dishes. Board the boats to return to Opuzen. You may want to venture out to the friendly bars around the town square to meet the locals.

Opuzen - Mostar - Opuzen

An early start this morning to make our way to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina by minibus. Take an orientation walk through the town, visiting a workshop specialising in traditional coffee sets and copper wall carvings on the way and enjoy some free time to explore the town and have lunch at your leisure. We return to the ship in the early afternoon and set sail for Trpanj. On arrival, we visit the Matusko winery for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyards before a barbecue dinner on the deck of the Peregrine Dalmatia. Overnight in Trpanj.